education

It’s never too late to go back to school and continue your education. That being said, having to study whilst juggling the role of a parent can make it a lot more challenging. I’ve been tempted, over the years, to take on an online course but I will admit, the commitment to a two or three year part time course seems daunting. I’ve taken on smaller online courses with accredited certificates at the end spanning max three months. Even that felt like a large commitment at the end. I am however juggling the idea of completing an online writing course specifying in journalism to add another string to my bow. If you have kids and are eager to return to education, here are a few tips that could help to make things easier.

I was really excited when Renee ‘Head of Explosions’ Watson contacted me to tell me all about The Curiosity Box. The name alone had me intrigued and what an awesome job title Renee has! The Curiosity Box was sucessfully funded on kickstarter and I can see why. It has developed into something so interesting, unique and brilliant that I wish Renee and her team every success in exploring and exploding the world of science in young minds. The Curiosity Box is a monthly subscription service where a box of intriquing and fascinating experiments are sent straight to your door to investigate. Each activity box is created for 7 to 11 year old “Curiosity Cadets”. Designed with the school curriculum in mind the wonderful scientists and educators at the Curiosity headquarters have expertly gathered, prepared and supplied all the ingredients and tools for amazing experiments right at your kitchen table. I gathered up my two little scientists – my inquisitive 11 year old nephew, C and enquiring 8 year old niece, A. “What’s in the box?” they asked me as they saw it sitting on the kitchen table with a Curiosity Box white lab coat and goggles. Well then, lets find out!

Patience waiting for dinner. Is it possible? Oh yes, it is! You know the drill, hungry stomachs and patience rarely go hand in hand. Especially when you call them to the dinner table and they watch you mill around the kitchen finishing dinner off and rushing for plates. “We want dinner, we want dinner,” knife and fork in hands slamming off the table. We were guilty of this when we were kids. Every parent knows distraction is key. And I’ve just uncovered the best distraction – and my goodness an educational tool too! Enter the Table Time Look and Learn tablecloth! Read more to see what it is and how you can order yours. Don’t forget to use our coupon code for a whopping 35% off!

We have between 30 minutes to 1 hour of playtime and quality time with A after we fall in the door after work. We’re exhausted, probably stressed, and have a million and one things to do to get ready for the next day. Once dinner is made and eaten we make sure to involve family time into our daily evening routine. I love Sensory Play and watching A figuring out new and curious things. As time is limited in the evenings for us, I have a few sensory play ideas that work well when you’re short on time and resources.Read more →